Agua de Tamarindo, or Tamarind Water

Add the peeled tamarind and 3 cups of water to a large pot.

Boil for 5-8 minutes.

Turn off heat and let cool.

Once cooled, using clean hands, squeeze the mushy pods to separate the flesh and the seeds.

Strain the tamarind juice from the seeds and flesh.

Use a spoon to push against the strainer to extract as much of the tamarind juice from the flesh and the seeds as possible.

Add the strained tamarind juice to a blender.

Blend the juice for 1 minute.

Add the remaining water to a large pitcher, the blended juice, and sugar to taste.

Serve over ice.

Enjoy!